U.S. patent application number 15/226023 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-08 for antenna solution for narrow bezel system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dell Products L.P.. Invention is credited to Benny J. Bologna, Mark Andrew Schwager, Julian Spencer.
Application Number | 20180040940 15/226023 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61069736 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180040940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bologna; Benny J. ; et
al. |
February 8, 2018 |
ANTENNA SOLUTION FOR NARROW BEZEL SYSTEM
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for positioning an antenna in
a portable information handling system. A portable information
handling system includes a housing having a first housing portion
and a second housing portion. The portable information handling
system also includes a hinge assembly rotationally coupling the
first and second housing portions. The portable information
handling system also includes an antenna disposed within the first
housing portion, the antenna operable to transmit radio waves. The
portable information handling system further includes an antenna
aperture formed within the first housing portion. The second
housing portion comprises a radio frequency (RF) permeable region
comprising RF permeable material, the RF permeable region located
in proximity to the antenna aperture when the portable information
handling system is in tablet mode, tablet mode representing the
first housing portion rotated approximately 360 degrees from the
second housing portion.
Inventors: |
Bologna; Benny J.; (Austin,
TX) ; Schwager; Mark Andrew; (Cedar Park, TX)
; Spencer; Julian; (Cedar Park, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dell Products L.P. |
Round Rock |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61069736 |
Appl. No.: |
15/226023 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 1/2266 20130101;
H01Q 1/50 20130101; H01Q 1/2291 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/22 20060101
H01Q001/22; H01Q 1/50 20060101 H01Q001/50 |
Claims
1. A portable information handling system comprising: a housing
having a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a
hinge assembly rotationally coupling the first and second housing
portions; an antenna disposed within the first housing portion, the
antenna operable to transmit radio waves; and an antenna aperture
formed within the first housing portion such that at least a
portion of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna travel
through the antenna aperture; the second housing portion comprising
a radio frequency (RF) permeable region comprising RF permeable
material, the RF permeable region located in proximity to the
antenna aperture when the portable information handling system is
in tablet mode, tablet mode representing the first housing portion
rotated approximately 360 degrees from the second housing portion;
wherein the second housing portion comprises an interference free
zone located in proximity to the antenna when the portable
information handling system is in tablet mode such that at least a
portion of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna travel
through the interference free zone, the interference free zone
comprising RF permeable components.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein RF permeable material covers the
antenna aperture.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein an edge the first housing portion
overhangs an edge of the second housing portion when the portable
information handling system is in tablet mode.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first housing portion
comprises an electrically conductive portion and a low-electrically
conductive portion, wherein the low-electrically conductive portion
is located at an edge of the first housing portion to dissipate a
surface current created by the radio waves from the antenna.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the electrically conductive
portion comprises slits to dissipate the surface current created by
the radio waves from the antenna.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the low-electrically conductive
portion covers the slits in the electrically conductive
portion.
7. (canceled)
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the interference free zone
comprises walls disposed within in the second housing portion, the
walls forming an empty space within the second housing portion.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the interference free zone
comprises RF permeable material disposed within in the second
housing portion.
10. A method of integrating an antenna in a portable information
handling system, comprising: rotationally coupling a first housing
portion and a second housing portion of the portable information
handling system with a hinge assembly; placing the antenna within
the first housing portion, the antenna operable to transmit radio
waves; forming an antenna aperture within the first housing portion
such that at least a portion of the radio waves travel through the
antenna aperture; and placing a radio frequency (RF) permeable
region comprising RF permeable material within the second housing
portion, the RF permeable region located in proximity to the
antenna aperture when the portable information handling system is
in tablet mode, tablet mode representing the first housing portion
rotated approximately 360 degrees from the second housing portion;
wherein the second housing portion comprises an interference free
zone located in proximity to the antenna when the portable
information handling system is in tablet mode such that at least a
portion of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna travel
through the interference free zone, the interference free zone
comprising RF permeable components.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein RF permeable material covers
the antenna aperture.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein an edge the first housing
portion overhangs an edge of the second housing portion when the
portable information handling system is in tablet mode.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first housing portion
comprises an electrically conductive portion and a low-electrically
conductive portion, wherein the low-electrically conductive portion
is located at an edge of the first housing portion to dissipate a
surface current created by the radio waves from the antenna.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the electrically conductive
portion comprises slits to dissipate the surface current created by
the radio waves from the antenna.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the low-electrically conductive
portion covers the slits in the electrically conductive
portion.
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the interference free zone
comprises walls disposed within in the second housing portion, the
walls forming an empty space within the second housing portion.
18. A portable information handling system comprising: a housing
having a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a
hinge assembly rotationally coupling the first and second housing
portions; and an antenna disposed within the first housing portion,
the antenna operable to transmit radio waves; the first housing
portion including an electrically conductive portion and a
low-electrically conductive portion, wherein the low-electrically
conductive portion is located at an edge of the first housing
portion to dissipate a surface current created by the radio waves
from the antenna, wherein the electrically conductive portion
comprises slits to dissipate the surface current created by the
radio waves from the antenna.
19. (canceled)
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the low-electrically conductive
portion covers the slits in the electrically conductive portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to information handling
systems and, more particularly, to a system and method for
integration of antennas in an information handling system with a
narrow bezel design.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option available to users is information
handling systems. An information handling system generally
processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or
data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing
users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because
technology and information handling needs and requirements vary
between different users or applications, information handling
systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how
the information is handled, how much information is processed,
stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the
information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The
variations in information handling systems allow for information
handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or
specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline
reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In
addition, information handling systems may include a variety of
hardware and software components that may be configured to process,
store, and communicate information and may include one or more
computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
[0003] Examples of information handling systems include portable
information handling systems, such as, smart phones, tablet
computers, notebook computers, media players, digital cameras,
2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination computers, wireless organizers,
and/or combinations thereof. A portable information handling system
may generally be any device that a user may carry for handheld use
and that includes a processor. These systems may communicate across
wireless networks information, such as voice, images, text, video,
and data. A portable information handling system may rely on one or
more antennas to communicate such information wirelessly. The
reception and transmission capabilities of individual antennas may
change based on the placement and/or surroundings of the antenna.
Thus, antennas of the portable information handling system may be
affected by the physical configuration of the portable information
handling system, which may change as a user uses, configures,
and/or moves the system. Antenna position may also affect specific
absorption rate (SAR) measurements of the systems. Thus, it may be
desirable to control the placement of one or more antennas in a
portable information handling system.
SUMMARY
[0004] In some embodiments, a portable information handling system
is disclosed that includes a housing having a first housing portion
and a second housing portion. The system also includes a hinge
assembly rotationally coupling the first and second housing
portions. In addition, the system includes an antenna disposed
within the first housing portion, the antenna operable to transmit
radio waves. The system further includes an antenna aperture formed
within the first housing portion such that at least a portion of
the radio waves transmitted from the antenna travel through the
antenna aperture. In the system, the second housing portion
comprises a radio frequency (RF) permeable region comprising RF
permeable material, the RF permeable region located in proximity to
the antenna aperture when the portable information handling system
is in tablet mode, tablet mode representing the first housing
portion rotated approximately 360 degrees from the second housing
portion.
[0005] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes
rotationally coupling a first housing portion and a second housing
portion of the portable information handling system with a hinge
assembly. The method also includes placing the antenna within the
first housing portion, the antenna operable to transmit radio
waves. The method further includes forming an antenna aperture
within the first housing portion such that at least a portion of
the radio waves travel through the antenna aperture. In addition,
the method includes placing a radio frequency (RF) permeable region
comprising RF permeable material within the second housing portion,
the RF permeable region located in proximity to the antenna
aperture when the portable information handling system is in tablet
mode, tablet mode representing the first housing portion rotated
approximately 360 degrees from the second housing portion.
[0006] In other embodiments, a portable information handling system
is disclosed that includes a housing having a first housing portion
and a second housing portion. The system also includes a hinge
assembly rotationally coupling the first and second housing
portions. In addition, the system includes an antenna disposed
within the first housing portion, the antenna operable to transmit
radio waves. The first housing portion includes an electrically
conductive portion and a low-electrically conductive portion,
wherein the low-electrically conductive portion is located at an
edge of the first housing portion to dissipate a surface current
created by the radio waves from the antenna.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of selected elements of
an embodiment of a portable information handling system;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a blown-up view of a portable information
handling system having rotationally-coupled housing portions;
[0010] FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of a portable
information handling system in a clamshell open position;
[0011] FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of a portable
information handling system in a clamshell open position;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective, cross-sectional view
of a portable information handling system in a tablet position;
[0013] FIG. 5A illustrates the exterior of a lid housing portion of
a portable information handling system;
[0014] FIG. 5B illustrates the interior of a lid housing portion of
a portable information handling system;
[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates the exterior of a main housing portion
of a portable information handling system;
[0016] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the interior of a
main housing portion of a portable information handling system
[0017] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable
information handling system in a tablet position;
[0018] FIG. 7B illustrates a rear prospective view of a lid housing
portion of a portable information handling system; and
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart depicting selected elements
of an embodiment of a method for integrating antennas in a narrow
bezel portable information handling system in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In the following description, details are set forth by way
of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject
matter. It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the
field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and
not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.
[0021] As used herein, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral
refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated
form of the reference numeral refers to the collective or generic
element. Thus, for example, widget "72-1" refers to an instance of
a widget class, which may be referred to collectively as widgets
"72" and any one of which may be referred to generically as a
widget "72."
[0022] A portable information handling system may include one or
more rotationally-coupled housing portions coupled by a hinge
assembly. For example, a lid housing portion of the portable
information handling system may be coupled to a main housing
portion by a hinge assembly such that the housing portions may be
rotated in different positions to each other as a user uses,
configures, and/or moves the portable information handling system.
The housing portions may be comprised of a variety of materials.
For example, the exterior of the housing portions may include
durable, rigid materials capable of withstanding wear and tear
while also protecting less-durable elements of the system. The
interior of the housing portions may include the same or different
materials to account for design, aesthetic, and/or other
purposes.
[0023] As noted previously, portable information handling systems
may utilize wireless communications to transmit and receive
information. One or more antennas within the portable information
handling systems may be used to transmit and receive information
wirelessly. The performance of individual antennas may depend on,
among other things, the position and/or surroundings of the
antenna. As the portable information handling system is moved and
arranged in different physical configurations, the position and/or
surroundings of one or more antennas within the system may change.
For example, an antenna in the lid portion of a portable
information handling system may experience different orientations
and/or surroundings (e.g., housing portions or external objects) as
the lid housing portion is moved from closed position (e.g., zero
degrees) to tablet position (e.g., 360 degrees) relative to the
main housing portion.
[0024] Thus, the performance and radiation pattern of the antenna
may change as the portable information handling system is placed in
different physical configurations.
[0025] The wireless communication performance of the portable
information handling system may vary with the performance of
individual antennas. In addition, the radiation patterns from the
antennas may change based on the position and/or surroundings of
the antennas which in turn may affect specific absorption rate
(SAR) exposure requirements of the system as mandated by the
Federal Communications Commission. Placement of antennas and
selection of housing materials around and near the antennas may be
selected to ensure robust antenna performance and compliance with
SAR requirements. As the size of portable information handling
systems continues to decrease (e.g., with narrow bezel designs),
such placement of antennas and selection of housing materials may
become more critical to ensuring robust wireless capabilities
across the various supported physical configurations of the
system.
[0026] For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling
system may include an instrumentality or an aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize various forms of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an
information handling system may be a server, a personal computer, a
PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or
another suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may
include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central
processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic.
Additional components of the information handling system may
include one or more storage devices, one or more communications
ports for communicating with external devices as well as various
input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a
video display. The information handling system may also include one
or more buses operable to transmit communication between the
various hardware components.
[0027] Particular embodiments are best understood by reference to
FIGS. 1-9 wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and
corresponding parts.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of selected elements of
an embodiment of a portable information handling system 100 in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In
various embodiments, portable information handling system 100 may
represent different types of portable information handling systems,
such as, smart phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, media
players, digital cameras, 2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination
computers, and wireless organizers. Components of portable
information handling system 100 may include, but are not limited
to, processor subsystem 120, which may comprise one or more
processors, and system bus 121 that communicatively couples various
system components to processor subsystem 120 including, for
example, memory subsystem 130, I/O subsystem 140, local storage
resource 150, and network interface 160. External or remote
elements, such as network 165, are also shown to give context to an
environment in which portable information handling system 100 may
be configured to operate.
[0029] Processor subsystem 120 may comprise a system, device, or
apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute program instructions
and/or process data, and may include a microprocessor,
microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another digital or analog
circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program
instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processor
subsystem 120 may interpret and/or execute program instructions
and/or process data stored locally (e.g., in memory subsystem 130).
In the same or alternative embodiments, processor subsystem 120 may
interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data
stored remotely (e.g., in a network storage resource, not
shown).
[0030] System bus 121 may represent a variety of suitable types of
bus structures, including for example, a memory bus, a peripheral
bus, or a local bus using various bus architectures in selected
embodiments. For example, such architectures may include, but are
not limited to, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Industry
Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, PCI bus,
PCI-E bus, HyperTransport (HT) bus, Integrated Interchip Sound
(IIS) bus, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, and Video
Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, among others.
Although illustrated as a single bus in FIG. 1, system bus 121 may
be implemented as a combination of one or more suitable busses, and
in some embodiments, various components may use one or more
different busses to communicate with other components of portable
information handling system 100.
[0031] Memory subsystem 130 may comprise a system, device, or
apparatus operable to retain and/or retrieve program instructions
and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media).
Memory subsystem 130 may comprise random access memory (RAM),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a
PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage,
and/or a suitable selection and/or array of volatile or
non-volatile memory that retains data after power to its associated
information handling system, such as portable information handling
system 100, is powered down.
[0032] In portable information handling system 100, I/O subsystem
140 may comprise a system, device, or apparatus generally operable
to receive and/or transmit data to/from/within portable information
handling system 100. I/O subsystem 140 may represent, for example,
a variety of communication interfaces, graphics interfaces, video
interfaces, user input interfaces, and/or peripheral interfaces.
For example, I/O subsystem 140 may comprise a touch panel and
display adapter. The touch panel (not shown) may include circuitry
for enabling touch functionality in conjunction with a display (not
shown) that is driven by display adapter (not shown).
[0033] Local storage resource 150 may comprise computer-readable
media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, and/or
other type of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and/or
another type of solid state storage media) and may be generally
operable to store instructions and/or data. For example, local
storage resource 150 may store executable code in the form of
program files that may be loaded into memory 130 for execution. In
addition to local storage resources 150, in some embodiments,
portable information handling system 100 may communicatively couple
via network 165 to a network storage resource (not shown) using
network interface 160 discussed below.
[0034] Network interface 160 may be a suitable system, apparatus,
or device operable to serve as an interface between portable
information handling system 100 and network 165. Network interface
160 may enable portable information handling system 100 to
communicate over network 165 using any suitable transmission
protocol and/or standard, including, but not limited to various
transmission protocols and/or standards. Network 165 coupled to
network interface 160 may be implemented as, or may be a part of, a
storage area network (SAN), personal area network (PAN), local area
network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual
private network (VPN), an intranet, the Internet or another
appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the
communication of signals, data and/or messages (generally referred
to as data or information). In some embodiments, network 165
communicatively coupled to network interface 160 may transmit data
using a desired storage and/or communication protocol, including,
but not limited to, Fibre Channel, Frame Relay, Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet protocol (IP), other packet-based
protocol, small computer system interface (SCSI), Internet SCSI (i
SCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or another transport that
operates with the SCSI protocol, advanced technology attachment
(ATA), serial ATA (SATA), advanced technology attachment packet
interface (ATAPI), serial storage architecture (SSA), integrated
drive electronics (IDE), and/or any combination thereof. Network
165, network interface 160, and/or various components associated
therewith may be implemented using hardware, software, or any
combination thereof. Network interface 160 may enable wired and/or
wireless communications to and/or from portable information
handling system 100.
[0035] To communicate wirelessly, network interface 160 may use one
or more antennas (not shown in FIG. 1). Antennas may include any
suitable system, apparatus, or device capable of receiving and/or
transmitting radio waves or other forms of electromagnetic
radiation, including for example, a monopole antenna, dipole
antenna, directional antenna, parabolic antenna, patch antenna,
Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) antenna, slot antenna, microstrip
antenna, sector antenna, or another suitable antenna. In some
embodiments, portable information handling system 100 may use one
or more different types of antennas to communicate with other
wireless-enabled devices. Antennas may include any appropriate
material, including for example, silver, copper, gold, aluminum,
calcium, tungsten, zinc, nickel, iron, mylar, or another material
suitable for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals or other
forms of electromagnetic radiation, including a combination of one
or more materials. In some embodiments, portable information
handling system 100 may use antennas to communicate using one or
more wireless communication standards, such as IEEE 802.11n or
802.11ac (Wi-Fi), Evolved High-Speed Packet access (HSPA+, or 3G),
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and/or
Long Term Evolution (4G).
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a blown-up view of a portable information
handling system having rotationally-coupled housing portions. In
the example embodiment, a main housing portion 12 rotationally
couples to a lid housing portion 14 to support various
configurations to interact with an end user. Main housing portion
12 may hold one or more components of the portable information
handling system, including but not limited to processor subsystem
120, system bus 121, memory subsystem 130, I/O subsystem 140, local
storage resource 150, and network interface 160 discussed above
with respect to FIG. 1. Main housing upper surface 24 couples to
main housing portion 12, and may include an integrated keyboard 26
or other I/O devices, such as a mouse or microphone (not
shown).
[0037] Lid housing portion 14 is rotationally coupled to main
housing portion 12 via hinge assembly 34. Lid housing portion 14
includes display 28 that visually presents information to the user.
Display 28 may be a touch panel with circuitry enabling touch
functionality in conjunction with a display. In some embodiments,
display 28 may be an "infinity edge" or "narrow bezel" display that
approaches one or more the edges of lid housing portion 14 such
that front bezel 15 may be narrow in size (e.g., 5-10 millimeters)
on said edges. For example, display 28 is an infinity display with
narrow bezels 15 on the top and sides of lid housing portion 14 in
the embodiment displayed in FIG. 2.
[0038] Lid housing portion 14 may also include timing controller
(TCON) 30. Hinge assembly 34 may include cable 36 for communicably
coupling one or more components within main housing portion 12 to
one or more components within lid housing portion 14. For example,
cable 36 may provide communication of graphics information from an
I/O subsystem to TCON 30 for generation of visual images for
display on display 28. Although a single cable 36 is illustrated in
FIG. 2, portable information handling system 10 may include one or
more additional cables 36 for communicating components disposed in
main housing portion 12 and lid housing portion 14. Placement of
cable 36 may be selected based on design considerations, materials
or manufacturing cost, material reliability, antenna placement,
and/or other considerations.
[0039] Hinge assembly 34 allows main housing portion 12 and lid
housing portion 14 to rotate between a plurality of positions. For
example, when portable information handling system 10 is not in
use, lid housing portion 14 may be closed over the top of main
portion 12 such that display 28 and keyboard 26 are protected from
unintended use and/or damage. Rotation of lid housing portion 14 by
approximately 90 degrees from main housing portion 12 brings
display 28 in a raised "clamshell" position relative to keyboard 26
so that an end user can make inputs to keyboard 26 and/or a touch
panel portion of display 28 while viewing display 28. In some
embodiments, clamshell position may represent lid housing portion
14 open between approximately 1 and 180 degrees from main housing
portion 12. Rotation of lid housing portion 14 between
approximately 180 and 359 degrees from main housing portion 12 may
place portable information handling system 10 in "tablet stand"
and/or "tent" positions. In tablet stand and tent positions, the
user may make inputs via touch panel portion of display 28 while
viewing display 28. A full 360 degree rotation of main housing
portion 12 relative to lid housing portion 14 provides a tablet
configuration having display 28 exposed to accept touch inputs. In
any position, user inputs may be communicated to an I/O subsystem
and/or a processor subsystem of the portable information handling
system for processing, and then updated information may be
communicated back via cable 36 to display 28 for displaying to the
user. Hinge assembly may be comprised of one or more discrete
hinges or a unified assembly of hinges.
[0040] FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective, cross-sectional
view of a portable information handling system in a clamshell open
position. Portable information handling system 10 may include lid
housing portion 14 and main housing portion 12 coupled by hinge
assembly 34. As discussed above, display 28 may be an infinity edge
display on the top and sides such that bezel 15 is narrow on said
sides. The narrow portions of bezel 15 on the top and sides may
limit the placement of certain elements within lid housing portion
14. For example, placement of antennas within lid housing portion
14 may be limited to the bottom space of lid housing portion 14
below display 28 and behind wider bezel 15. Placement limitations
of elements, including antennas, may be the result of volume
constraints (e.g., the thickness of lid housing portion 14 which
may be designed slim in order to reduce the size and/or weight of
the system), technical considerations (e.g., antennas behind
display 28 may interfere with the display or vice-versa), SAR
requirements, and/or other considerations.
[0041] Antenna 38 is shown in FIG. 3A below display 28 and behind
wider section of bezel 15. Antenna 38 may include any type of
antenna, including those discussed above with respect to FIG. 1.
The performance of antenna 38 may be affected by the placement
and/or surroundings of the antenna. For example, the performance of
the antenna may be affected by the materials of the portable
information handling system. Parts of lid housing portion 14 and
main housing portion 12 may include durable, rigid materials (e.g.,
aluminum, carbon fiber, magnesium alloy, etc.) capable of
withstanding wear and tear while also protecting less-durable
elements of the system. However, such durable and rigid materials
may have limited radio frequency (RF) permeability such that radio
waves sent to and from antenna 38 may be reduced in strength or
blocked by the material.
[0042] To optimize antenna performance, lid housing portion 14 may
include antenna aperture 40 such that antenna beam 42 may penetrate
the lid of the system. Antenna aperture 40 may be an opening in the
electrically conductive, durable and rigid material used in the
exterior of lid housing portion 14. The size, shape, and placement
of antenna aperture 40 may be selected based on the type of antenna
38, location of antenna 38, structural considerations of lid
housing portion 14, SAR requirements, aesthetics, and/or other
factors. The space in lid housing portion 14 created by antenna
aperture 40 may be an unfilled opening (e.g., a gap or empty space)
in the lid of portable information handling system 10. In some
embodiments, the space form antenna aperture 40 may be filled with
an RF permeable material 44, such as silicon, plastic, glass-fill
plastic, resin, and/or other materials with a dielectric constant
less than approximately 5.0 and a loss tangent of less than
approximately 0.02. RF permeable material 44 may cover any opening
in lid housing portion 14 of the system from antenna aperture 40
while causing little or no interference to the radio waves to and
from antenna 38. Similarly, bezel 15 may be designed of RF
permeable material in order to minimize interference with radio
waves to and from antenna 38.
[0043] FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective view of a portable
information handling system 10 in a clamshell open position. RF
permeable material 44 is shown as a narrow line (e.g., 2 to 10
millimeters thick) that runs between the hinges of hinge assembly
34. In some embodiments, placement of RF permeable material 44 may
be limited to the opening in lid housing portion 14 created by
antenna aperture 40. In other embodiments, RF permeable material 44
may be placed in fewer or more locations on lid housing portion 14
for aesthetic, structural, and/or other reasons. As explained
above, antenna aperture 40 may take any shape or form based on the
considerations enumerated above with respect to FIG. 3A.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective, cross-sectional view
of a portable information handling system in a tablet position. In
tablet position, lid housing portion 14 may be fully open from main
housing portion 12 at approximately 360 degrees. Antenna 38 may be
placed in close proximity to the exterior of main housing portion
12. Thus, antenna beam 42, previously directed away from portable
information handling system 10 in clamshell open position of FIG.
3, may now be directed into main housing portion 12. The
surroundings and placement of antenna 38 (e.g., in close proximity
and directed into main housing portion 12), may cause interference
with radio waves to and from the antenna. For example, main housing
portion 12 may include durable, rigid materials (e.g., aluminum,
carbon fiber, magnesium alloy, etc.) with limited RF permeability
such that radio waves sent to and from antenna 38 (e.g.,
represented by antenna beam 42) may be reduced in strength or
blocked by the material of the main housing portion.
[0045] To optimize antenna performance, one or more portions of
main housing portion 12 may be comprised of RF permeable material
to reduce interference with radio waves to and from antenna 38. For
example, RF permeable material 46 may be used in regions of main
housing portion 12 that could interfere with the performance of
antenna 38 when portable information handling system 10 is placed
in any of its supported physical configurations (e.g., clamshell,
tablet stand, and/or tablet modes). As illustrated in FIG. 4, RF
permeable material 46 may be used opposite antenna 38 and antenna
aperture 40 when portable information handling system 10 is in
tablet position. In tablet mode, RF permeable material 46 may
permit antenna beam 42 to penetrate main housing portion 12 with
limited degradation in antenna performance. The size, shape, and
placement of RF permeable material 46 may be selected based on the
type of antenna 38, location and size of antenna 38, location and
size of antenna aperture 40, structural considerations of main
housing portion 12, SAR requirements, aesthetics, and/or other
factors. RF permeable material 46 may physically couple to durable
material 48, forming the exterior of main housing portion 12.
Durable material 48 may be comprised of durable, rigid materials
having low-RF permeability, but because of its distance from
antenna 38 and antenna aperture 40, durable material 48 may have
limited or reduced effect on the performance of antenna 38.
[0046] FIG. 5A illustrates the exterior of a lid housing portion of
a portable information handling system. Exterior side 50 of lid
housing portion 14 of portable information handling system 10 may
be comprised of one or more durable, rigid materials that are
capable of withstanding wear and tear while also protecting
less-durable elements of the system. Lid housing portion 14 may
couple to hinge assembly 34 such that it may be rotated in
different positions relative to the main housing portion of the
system. RF permeable material 44 is shown between the hinges of
hinge assembly 34, but as described above with respect to FIGS. 3A
and 3B, RF permeable material 44 may be any size or shape.
[0047] FIG. 5B illustrates the interior of a lid housing portion of
a portable information handling system. Interior side 52 of lid
housing portion 14 of portable information handling system 10 may
be comprised of the same durable, rigid materials as exterior side
50 in FIG. 5A. Notches 54 represent where the hinges of hinge
assembly 34 (not shown in FIG. 5B) may be placed and/or coupled to
lid housing portion 14.
[0048] Portable information handling system 10 may have more than
one antennas 38 for communicating wirelessly with other devices.
Antennas 38 may be the same and/or different types, sizes, and/or
configurations. As explained above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B,
antennas 38 may be placed at or near antenna apertures 40 such that
the beams of antennas 38 may penetrate lid housing portion 14 with
minimal interference to the signal transmission and reception of
the antenna. The size, shape, and placement of antenna apertures 40
may be selected based on the number of antennas 38, types of
antennas 38, location of antennas 38, structural considerations of
lid housing portion 14, SAR requirements, aesthetics, and/or other
factors. In some embodiments, antenna apertures 40 may be different
sizes and/or shapes than the RF permeable material 44 used to fill
the gap created in the lid by antenna apertures 40. For example,
antenna apertures 40 may be discrete openings in lid housing
portion 14 as shown in FIG. 5B, while RF permeable material 44 may
run the full length between the hinges of hinge assembly 34 as
shown in FIG. 5A. RF permeable material 44 may be placed in fewer
or more portions of lid housing portion 14 for aesthetic,
structural, and/or other reasons.
[0049] FIG. 6A illustrates the exterior of a main housing portion
of a portable information handling system. Exterior side 60 of main
housing portion 12 of portable information handling system 10 may
be comprised of durable material 48 to help withstand wear and tear
in addition to protecting less-durable elements of the system.
Notches 64 represent where the hinges of hinge assembly 34 (not
shown in FIG. 6A) may be placed and/or coupled to main housing
portion 12.
[0050] As described above with respect to FIG. 4, main housing
portion 12 may include RF permeable material 46 to reduce antenna
interference and/or loading. Notches 62 may represent where RF
permeable material 46 may be used instead of durable material 48.
The size, shape, and placement of notches 62 and RF permeable
material 46 may be selected based on the type of antennas 38,
location of antennas 38, structural considerations of lid housing
portion 14, SAR requirements, aesthetics, and/or other factors.
[0051] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the interior of a
main housing portion of a portable information handling system.
Interior side 68 of main housing portion 12 of portable information
handling system 10 may be comprised of the same durable material 48
and RF permeable material 46 as exterior side 60 discussed in FIG.
6A.
[0052] In some embodiments, main housing portion 12 may include
interference free zones. Interference free zones 62 may be RF
permeable (e.g., empty space or space filled with RF permeable
material) portions in main housing portion 12. In some embodiments,
antenna walls 66 may be used to form interference free zones 62.
Antenna walls 66 may be comprised of durable material 48, RF
permeable material 46, a combination thereof, or another suitable
material. In tablet position, interference free zones 62 may be
located in proximity to antennas 38 located in lid housing portion
12. Interference free zones 62 may prevent components within main
housing portion 12 from moving in proximity of antennas 38. For
example, wires or other electrical components may change locations
or positions as portable information handling system 10 is moved
and/or configured by the user. Such components may affect the
ability of antennas 38 to transmit and/or receive radio waves,
thereby affecting the wireless performance of the portable
information handling system. Interference free zones 62 may reduce
such variation in antenna performance by preventing components
within main housing portion 12 from moving in proximity of antennas
38 such that antennas 38 may maintain approximately consistent
surroundings regardless of how portable information handling system
10 is moved and/or configured by the user. The size, shape, and
placement of interference free zones 62 may be selected based on
the number of antennas 38, types of antennas 38, location of
antennas 38, structural considerations of lid housing portion 14,
SAR requirements, aesthetics, and/or other factors.
[0053] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable
information handling system in a tablet position. In tablet
position, lid housing portion 14 may be fully open from main
housing portion 12 at approximately 360 degrees. Antenna 38 may be
placed in close proximity to the exterior of main housing portion
12. As explained above with respect to FIGS. 5-6, portions of main
housing portion 12 and lid housing portion 14 may be comprised of
low-RF permeable material and/or RF permeable material. For
example, main housing portion 12 may include RF permeable material
46 at or near antennas 38 and durable material 48 elsewhere. Lid
housing portion 12 may include durable material 80 with antenna
apertures 40 which in turn may be filled with an RF permeable
material 44.
[0054] Radiation from antennas 38 may cause surface currents to
form on durable material 80. Durable material may be comprised of
electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, carbon fiber,
and/or magnesium alloy. Thus, surface current created by antennas
38 may travel along the electrically conductive portions of lid
housing portion 12. As shown by surface current arrow 76, some of
the surface current created by antennas 38 may travel to portions
of lid housing portion 12 that may be touched or handled by a user.
The surface current may become concentrated near antennas 38 and/or
antenna aperture 40. The surface current may increase SAR exposure
beyond levels permitted by the FCC.
[0055] Lid housing portion 12 may include low-electrically
conductive materials and/or slits to disperse surface currents
such. Dispersing surface currents may reduce high concentrations of
surface currents that tend to radiate and cause higher SAR
measurements and risk. Low-electrically conductive material 74 may
be used in lid housing portion 12 to electrically insulate the
edges of lid housing portion 12 from surface currents.
Low-electrically conductive material 74 may include silicon,
plastic, glass-fill plastic, resin, and/or other materials that
limit electrical conductivity (e.g., materials with an surface
resistivity greater than 10 ohms/square). In some embodiments,
low-electrically conductive material 74 may be part of or directly
coupled to bezel 15 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2.
[0056] FIG. 7B illustrates a rear prospective view of a lid housing
portion of a portable information handling system. Slits 72 may be
placed in durable material 80 to dissipate surface currents created
by antennas 38. Slits 72 may be open or filled with conductive
material, such as conductive material 74. The location and size of
low-electrically conductive material 74 and slits 72 may be made
based on the type of antennas 38, location of antennas 38,
structural considerations of lid housing portion 14, SAR
requirements, aesthetics, and/or other factors.
[0057] The offset of lid housing portion 14 and main housing
portion 12 in tablet position may reduce SAR measurement values and
SAR exposure. For example, lid housing portion 14 may overhang main
housing portion 12 in tablet mode. The amount of overhang may
depend on hinge assembly 34 or other design factors of the housing
of portable information handling system 10. The overhang may cause
gap 84 to form between the actual edge of the system (e.g.,
represented by line 78) and vertical edge from the overhang (e.g.,
represented by line 82). The additional space represented by gap 84
may create distance between the user and/or SAR measurement edge of
the system and the radiation from antennas 38. Thus, the offset of
lid housing portion 14 and main housing portion 12 in tablet
position may create an overhang that helps to reduce SAR
measurement values and SAR exposure.
[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 incorporating
antennas in a portable information handling system. Method 800 may
begin at step 802, where the housing portions of the portable
information handling systems are rotationally coupled by a hinge
assembly. The hinge assembly may permit the housing portions to
rotate to different positions from each other, including for
example, closed, clamshell, tablet stand, tent, and tablet
positions discussed above with respect to FIG. 2.
[0059] In step 804, method 800 places an antenna within the lid
housing portion. The antenna may be any device that permits the
information handling system to communicate over radio waves with a
wireless-enabled device, including the exemplary antennas discussed
above with respect to FIG. 1. In a narrow bezel design, the antenna
may be placed below the display in the lid housing portion of the
information handling system. The antenna may be placed below the
display due to volume constraints, technical considerations (e.g.,
antennas behind the display may interfere with the display or
vice-versa), SAR requirements, and/or other considerations.
[0060] In step 806, method 800 places an antenna aperture in the
lid housing portion. The antenna aperture may permit the antenna in
the lid housing portion to send and/or receive radio signals
through the durable material of the lid housing portion. As
explained above with respect to FIGS. 3-4, the antenna aperture
size, shape, and location may be selected based on the type of
antenna in the lid housing portion, the location of antenna,
structural considerations of lid housing portion, SAR requirements,
aesthetics, and/or other factors. In addition, the antenna aperture
may be a gap or empty space in the lid of portable information
handling system or the antenna aperture may be filled and/or
covered with an RF permeable material.
[0061] In step 808, method 800 places RF permeable material within
the main housing portion. As explained above with respect to FIGS.
3-4, the RF permeable material may be placed such that it is
located in proximity to the antenna aperture and/or antenna when
the portable information handling system is in tablet mode. The RF
permeable material may permit the antenna in the lid housing
portion to send and/or receive radio signals through the main
housing portion more easily when the portable information handling
system is in tablet mode.
[0062] In step 810, method 800 places low-electrically conductive
material within the lid housing portion. As explained above with
respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the low-electrically conductive
material may be used to electrically insulate one or more edges of
the lid housing portion from surface currents created by the
antennas in the system. The low-electrically conductive material
may be placed over slits placed in the durable material of the
information handling system to dissipate surface currents created
by the antennas in the system.
[0063] In step 812, method 800 offsets the lid housing portion and
the main housing portion of the information handling system. As
explained above with respect to FIG. 7B, the lid housing portion
may overhang the main housing portion when the system is placed in
tablet mode. The overhang may cause a gap to form between the
actual edge of the system and the vertical edge from the overhang.
The gap may create distance between the user and/or SAR measurement
edge of the system and the radiation from antennas, thereby helping
to comply with SAR requirements.
[0064] Method 800 may be implemented in any suitable manner. It is
noted that certain steps or operations described in method 800 may
be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.
[0065] Herein, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless
expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.
Therefore, herein, "A or B" means "A, B, or both," unless expressly
indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover,
"and" is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated
otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, "A
and B" means "A and B, jointly or severally," unless expressly
indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.
[0066] The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes,
substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the
example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a person
having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of
this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described
or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes
and illustrates respective embodiments herein as including
particular components, elements, features, functions, operations,
or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or
permutation of any of the components, elements, features,
functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere
herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would
comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an
apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being
adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to,
operable to, or operative to perform a particular function
encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or
that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as
long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted,
arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.
* * * * *